diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8b7324f..765d505 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Target: Run smoothly as possible, even on laggy servers.
 - Rail junction switching with the 'right/left' walking keys
 - Handbrake with the 'back' key
 - Support for non-minetest_game subgames
+- Descend from cart using the `sneak` key
 
 ## Settings
 This mod can be adjusted to fit the preference of a player or server. Use the `Settings -> All Settings` dialog in the main menu or tune your
diff --git a/cart_entity.lua b/cart_entity.lua
index 07fe911..a30885c 100644
--- a/cart_entity.lua
+++ b/cart_entity.lua
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ end
 function cart_entity:on_detach_child(child)
 	if child and child:get_player_name() == self.driver then
 		self.driver = nil
+		boost_cart:manage_attachment(child, nil)
 	end
 end
 
@@ -303,6 +304,12 @@ function cart_entity:on_step(dtime)
 				acc = -0.4
 			end
 		end
+		if ctrl and ctrl.sneak then
+			-- Descend when sneak is pressed
+			boost_cart:manage_attachment(player, nil)
+			player = nil
+			ctrl = nil
+		end
 
 		if acc then
 			-- Slow down or speed up, depending on Y direction
@@ -339,10 +346,13 @@ function cart_entity:on_step(dtime)
 	if self.punched then
 		-- Collect dropped items
 		for _, obj_ in pairs(minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 1)) do
-			if not obj_:is_player() and
-					obj_:get_luaentity() and
-					not obj_:get_luaentity().physical_state and
-					obj_:get_luaentity().name == "__builtin:item" then
+			local ent = obj_:get_luaentity()
+			-- Careful here: physical_state and disable_physics are item-internal APIs
+			if ent and ent.name == "__builtin:item" and ent.physical_state then
+				-- Check API to support 5.2.0 and older
+				if ent.disable_physics then
+					ent:disable_physics()
+				end
 
 				obj_:set_attach(self.object, "", {x=0, y=0, z=0}, {x=0, y=0, z=0})
 				self.attached_items[#self.attached_items + 1] = obj_